Power of Attorney Requirements in Kentucky
Kentucky follows the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, so a power of attorney must be signed by the principal and notarization is not required for validity, but a notarized signature is presumed genuine.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Kentucky at a glance
- Notarization
- Optional, recommended
- A notarized signature is presumed genuine
- Witnesses
- None
- Uniform Power of Attorney Act
- Adopted (2020)
The rules in Kentucky
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Kentucky?
Notarization is optional in Kentucky, but a notarized signature is presumed genuine, which makes banks and others more likely to accept the document.
How many witnesses does a power of attorney need in Kentucky?
None. Kentucky does not require witnesses for a power of attorney.
Has Kentucky adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
Yes. The Uniform Law Commission lists the enactment in 2020.
Where do the Kentucky rules for powers of attorney come from?
They come from KRS 457.050 Execution of power of attorney, KRS 457.010 Short title and Uniform Law Commission, Power of Attorney Act. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Kentucky compares
Kentucky is one of 16 jurisdictions that make notarization optional but recommended.
What this means in practice
Even where notarization is optional, banks, brokers and title companies often ask for a notarized power of attorney before they act on it. Notarizing is usually the safer choice.
Choose an agent you trust, name a backup, and give the agent a signed copy. Keep the original in a place your agent can reach.
You can revoke a power of attorney while you have capacity. Tell your agent and anyone who relied on it, in writing.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.